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Among the 159 nations that are identified as a republic, India is the largest republic nation amongst them. As India was declared free from British rule, the country introduced their Constitution before the entire world and accepted the power of democracy. The supreme power of electing the government officials rests upon the citizens of the country; as a result, the power of ruling the country is not hereditary. The purpose of the republic is to offer fairness and practice common welfare.
What is the concept of republic?
The term republic usually refers to a nation, which is not ruled by a king or queen. Instead the nation is governed by the representatives elected by common people. In other words, republic refers to a nation that is governed by an elected president. These nations were once subordinate to a territory that was also subordinate to another union republic. The concept of republic puts the most of the importance on liberty and completely rejects the concept of inherited political power. On the other hand, in doing so, the republic stands completely against the concept of corruption. Thus, a republic can be distinguished from a democracy in a significant aspect. In a democracy, the people belonging to the minority cannot be protected from the people belonging to the majority as the majority holds unlimited power. On the other hand, a republic nation expects the citizens to act independently in performing their civic duties.
Reason for calling India a republic
India became independent on 15 August 1947 and declared itself a sovereign, democratic and republic nation. It became a republic nation with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, which was penned by Dr. B.R Ambedkar, the chairperson of the drafting committee of the Constitution. The Drafting committee was set up under the Constituent Assembly. From that day onwards, India was hailed as a Republic nation. The Indian Constitution derived several ideas from the constitutions of other developed foreign nations. The Indian preamble borrowed the concept of liberty, fraternity, and equality from the French Constitution and the concept of Republic nation mirrored the French Constitution as well. One of the main reasons for calling India a republic nation is that the Constitution of India proclaims that adequate safeguards will be provided to the minorities, the tribes and other distressed, backward classes.
Why is Republic Day celebrated?
As Republic Day came into effect from 26 January 1950, every year the specific day is commemorated. The day is celebrated all over the country, which exhibits patriotism and pride for the country. The President of India hoists the national flag in Rajpath, Delhi. Republic Day honours India’s spirit of independence and self-determination. Purna Swaraj, the declaration of India’s independence from colonial authority, was issued on this day in 1930 by the Indian National Congress. The day also honours Indian residents’ democratic right to pick their government. Since the Indian National Congress (INC) issued the Declaration of Indian Independence in 1930, January 26 has been designated as India’s Republic Day. The date was chosen because the Congress passed the Poorna Swaraj resolution on this day. The resolution also signalled the start of a large-scale anti-colonial political movement across the country.
The importance of Republic Day in current time
The importance of republic day in current time is marked with even more intensity. The importance of republic day lies in the fact it commemorates the spirit of independent India. It is a declaration of freedom from British colonial rule. In 1930 on 26 January, the Indian National Congress proclaimed to acquire Purna Swaraj. Hence this day bears emotional significance. The specific day is celebrated as a national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the national constitution. The schools celebrate republic day with deep enthusiasm along with patriotic songs, recitations, dances as the national flag is hoisted with the national song of the country. The sacrifice of the great heroes who have brought freedom is remembered to instil a sense of patriotism to the citizens. In short, the day is filled with a lot of enjoyment but it also serves as a reminder to the current generation about the responsibilities one bears towards the country.
Conclusion
India was established as a republic nation to the entire world as it embraced the Constitution in 1950. India is rightfully called a republic nation as it identifies its citizens as independent entities who have responsibilities towards the country and have the power to choose governing bodies. The Constitution of India truly captures the essence of the meaning of republic. The Constitution also acknowledges the minority of the population, gives support to empower them, and protects them. Republic Day is celebrated all over the country with much zest as it acts as an undeniable force to unite a mesmerizingly diverse nation.
